Shooting Stars Galore: Your Guide to the Best Meteor Showers of the Year

Lyrid meteor shower over the New Mexico sky.

Meteor showers are a stunning natural phenomenon that occur when Earth passes through the debris trail of a comet or asteroid. Each year, there are 11 major meteor showers that are worth checking out. These meteor showers occur on specific dates and are named after the constellation from which the meteors seem to originate.

At Algonquin Accommodations, visitors have the perfect opportunity to witness these spectacular meteor showers. Our location offers a dark sky-friendly area that allows for a clear and unobstructed view of the night sky. Our cozy accommodations are located close to fire pits, making it easy for visitors to sit back, relax, and watch the meteor shower with family and friends.

During a meteor shower, you can expect to see multiple shooting stars or meteors per hour. It’s a breathtaking sight that reminds us of the vastness and beauty of our universe. At Algonquin Accommodations, we provide the perfect setting for you to witness this awe-inspiring event.

In addition to meteor showers, the night sky at Algonquin Accommodations is a sight to behold all year round. With little light pollution and a clear view of the stars, visitors can enjoy stargazing like never before. From the constellations to the Milky Way, there is so much to see and explore in the night sky.

Overall, Algonquin Accommodations provides an unforgettable experience for anyone looking to witness the wonder of the night sky. With cozy accommodations and a dark sky-friendly area, visitors can sit back, relax, and watch as the meteor shower lights up the night sky above.

  1. The Quadrantids Meteor Shower peaks on January 3/4
  2. The April Lyrids Meteor Shower peaks on April 22
  3. The Eta-Aquarids Meteor Shower peaks on May 5/6
  4. The June Lyrids Meteor Shower peaks on June 15/16
  5. The Southern Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower peaks on July 28/29
  6. The Perseids Meteor Shower peaks on August 12/13
  7. The Orionids Meteor Shower peaks on October 21
  8. The Taurids Meteor Showers occur between November 4 to 7
  9. The Leonids Meteor Shower peaks around November 17/18
  10. The Geminids Meteor Shower peaks on December 13/14
  11. The Ursids Meteor Shower peaks on December 22


If you love gazing at the night sky and watching shooting stars, you won’t want to miss these meteor showers. Here’s a guide to the best meteor showers of the year. Enjoy these from our
Wilderness Campground or from the comfort of one of our four lodges: Dream Catcher Motel, Bellwood Inn, East Gate Motel or for something extra special enjoy them while sitting by the river at the Rolling Rapids Motel.

See Also: Spectacular Algonquin Fall Colours: Your Guide to South Algonquin’s Breathtaking Beauty – Algonquin Accommodations (algonquinpark.com)

The Quadrantids Meteor Shower (January 3/4)

The year starts off with a bang, as the Quadrantids Meteor Shower peaks on January 3 and 4. It is one of the most active and reliable meteor showers of the year, with the potential to produce up to 120 meteors per hour. Named after the obsolete constellation Quadrans Muralis, this meteor shower is one of the best opportunities to witness nature’s fireworks display.

fantastic winter meteor shower and the snow-capped mountains
Perseids Meteor Shower 2020

The April Lyrids Meteor Shower (April 22)

Next up, we have the April Lyrids Meteor Shower, which is set to peak on April 22. While this meteor shower is known for producing relatively few meteors, with rates of around 10-20 per hour, the Lyrids are famous for their bright fireballs that light up the night sky. Originating from the debris of comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, the Lyrids are a sight to behold.

The Eta-Aquarids Meteor Shower (May 5/6)

In May, we have the Eta-Aquarids Meteor Shower, which is set to peak on May 5 and 6. Produced by the debris of Halley’s Comet, this meteor shower is known for producing fast and bright meteors, with rates of up to 60 per hour. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a “shooting star” that leaves a long-lasting trail across the sky.

 

The June Lyrids Meteor Shower (June 15/16)

June brings us the June Lyrids Meteor Shower, which is set to peak on June 15 and 16. While this meteor shower is not as well-known as some of the others on this list, it is still worth checking out. With rates of up to 20 meteors per hour, the June Lyrids produce bright and slow-moving meteors that are a sight to see.

The Southern Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower (July 28/29)

In late July, we have the Southern Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower, which is set to peak on July 28 and 29. Produced by the debris of the Marsden and Kracht comets, this meteor shower produces faint but steady meteors, with rates of up to 20 per hour. While the meteors may not be as bright as some of the others on this list, they are still worth checking out.

The Perseids Meteor Shower (August 12/13)

One of the most famous meteor showers of the year, the Perseids Meteor Shower, is set to peak on August 12 and 13. Produced by the debris of the comet Swift-Tuttle, the Perseids are known for producing fast and bright meteors, with rates of up to 100 per hour. The best part? The Perseids are known for producing some of the most stunning fireballs of any meteor shower.

Two Meteoric Tracks In The Blue Night Starry Sky Background. Nat
Startrail night sky forest silhouette

The Orionids Meteor Shower (October 21)

The Orionids Meteor Shower is an annual event that takes place in late October, with its peak occurring around the 21st. Named for the Orion constellation from which the meteors appear to originate, the shower typically produces around 20 meteors per hour. While not the most prolific shower of the year, the Orionids are known for their bright and fast-moving meteors, making for a truly breathtaking display. 

The Taurids Meteor Showers (November 4 to 7)

The Taurids are actually two separate meteor showers – the South Taurids and the North Taurids – which occur at different times but overlap to create a longer period of activity. The South Taurids generally peak around November 4th, while the North Taurids peak a few days later around November 7th. While both showers are relatively low in numbers, they are known for producing some of the year’s brightest and most spectacular fireballs.

The Leonids Meteor Shower (November 17/18)

The Leonids Meteor Shower is an annual event that takes place in November, with its peak occurring around November 17th or 18th. Named for the Leo constellation from which the meteors appear to originate, the shower has been known to produce some of the most impressive displays in history. In 1966, for example, the Leonids produced an incredible 40-50 meteors per second at their peak. While the shower is less active today, it’s still worth watching out for, with peak rates typically around 10-15 meteors per hour.

The Geminids Meteor Shower (December 13/14)

The Geminids Meteor Shower is an annual event that takes place in December, with its peak occurring around December 13th or 14th. Named for the Gemini constellation from which the meteors appear to originate, the shower is one of the most reliable and active of the year, producing around 120 meteors per hour at its peak. The Geminids are known for their colorful and long-lasting trails, making for a truly mesmerizing spectacle.

The Ursids Meteor Shower (December 22)

The Ursids Meteor Shower is an annual event that takes place in December, with its peak occurring around December 22nd. Named for the Ursa Minor constellation from which the meteors appear to originate, the shower is relatively minor, with peak rates typically around 5-10 meteors per hour. However, the Ursids are known for their slow-moving meteors and bright fireballs, making them a worthwhile spectacle for dedicated stargazers.

Dream Catcher motel

Where to stay

Discover the serenity and adventure that South Algonquin, Ontario has to offer with a stay at one of the exceptional properties of Algonquin Accommodations. As the premier provider of clean, affordable, and accessible places to unwind, you can choose from our 3 cozy motels, a charming inn, or a nature-kissed campground. With every stay, we gift you complimentary Algonquin Park passes and free access to a variety of equipment including bikes, canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, and snow shoes, to let you explore the picturesque surroundings at your own pace. Don’t just visit, immerse yourself in the wilderness, beginning with a single step at Algonquin Accommodations. Visit us at www.algonquinpark.com or call 613 637 1220 to book your journey into the wilderness.

See Also: The top 5 motels to visit in Whitney, Ontario – Algonquin Accommodations (algonquinpark.com)

In Conclusion

Don’t miss out on the chance to see these beautiful meteor showers this year. For an even better time, enjoy the meteor show with a camp fire. Camp fires are available at all of our locations. Hands down, we offer the most comfortable and best viewing experiences at Algonquin Accommodations!

for more information, visit the American Meteor Society website at https://www.amsmeteors.org/meteor-showers/meteor-shower-calendar/.

around a camp fire.
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